Planted
in Glass
I make glass for growing plants. I also teach glass, learning, and the practical work of running a small craft business.
Learning involves relationships.
In my classes, we pay attention to the artist, the material,
the work, and the people around us.
The glasswork
Made for growing things.
Planters, propagation vessels, vases, and plant supports. I shape each piece individually at the torch.
Visit my Etsy shop (opens in a new tab)These are examples of my work. Visit Etsy for current availability, dimensions, prices, and shipping. You can also email me about a piece.
Classes & teaching
How I teach.
Learning a craft involves relationships. I make room for those relationships in my teaching.
Over the years, I’ve taught hundreds of short glass classes, worked with apprentices and employees, and run an artist agency that helped artists develop their passion and personal philosophy.
When I teach, I’m paying attention to the relationship between the artist and the material, the artist and the work, and the artist and the people around them. That includes other artists, friends, and family.
Philosophy belongs in that conversation. It helps us consider what we value, why we do the work, and how we want our practice to fit into our lives.
New class formats I’m developing
Working with the material
An introduction
to working glass
Working with glass for the first time gives you a lot to respond to at once: heat, movement, timing, and your own expectations. We’ll begin with safe use of the torch and basic ways of stretching, shaping, and twisting clear glass.
As you try those techniques, we’ll talk about what you’re noticing, how the glass responds, and how to decide what to try next. You’ll begin developing your own understanding of the material through that exchange.
Planned formats: one, two, and four hours, with groups of up to six. The two-hour class will build toward a twisted ribbon pendant or ornament. Intro classes are being planned in Black Mountain.
Classes & registration at Arrowhead (opens in a new tab)Developing your own judgment
Learning how
to learn
This class looks at the process of learning through making. We’ll use observation, small experiments, and conversation to examine how we approach something we don’t yet know how to do.
We’ll look at the relationship between what you intended, what you did, and what happened, then use that information to decide what to try. The assumptions and expectations you bring to the work are part of the discussion. I want you to develop your own judgment and a way of learning you can continue using.
Classes & registration at Arrowhead (opens in a new tab)Making a living from your craft
Running a small
craft business
Your work, your time, your income, and the relationships you care about all need consideration. We’ll work through practical questions about pricing, production, communication, and deciding what kind of business you actually want to run.
We’ll connect business decisions to your reasons for making, the people affected by those decisions, and the life you want your work to support.
Classes & registration at Arrowhead (opens in a new tab)Registration for these new classes will be handled through Arrowhead Gallery & Studios. Dates, locations, and fees will be posted on their website as each class is scheduled. You’re welcome to email me with questions about the classes.
In person
Where to find me
and my work.
I’m making glass in Black Mountain, showing work in Old Fort, and bringing pieces to shows as the dates come together.
Old Fort, North Carolina
Arrowhead Gallery
& Studios
You can find my glass at Arrowhead, along with work by other local artists and artisans. The gallery also offers classes, exhibitions, and community events.
77 Catawba Avenue
Old Fort, NC 28762
Black Mountain, North Carolina
North Carolina
Glass Center
I work at NCGC’s Black Mountain studio. They provide studio space, glass classes, and resources for artists. Their website is a good place to explore what’s happening in glass.
112 East State Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711
Upcoming show
Greater Greenville
Master Gardeners Symposium
I’ll be bringing Planted in Glass to the 25th anniversary symposium at the Greenville Convention Center.
Saturday, February 13, 2027 · Greenville, SC
I post new work and additional show dates on Instagram (opens in a new tab).
About the artist
I’m Phil.
I make glass pieces that can be used: a place for a cutting to root, a small planter, a vase, or a support for a climbing plant. Each piece is shaped individually at the torch.
My experience as an artist, teacher, employer, and business consultant has brought me into many different working relationships. Through teaching, mentoring, and running an artist agency, I’ve helped artists think about their work, their passion, and their personal philosophy.
Planted in Glass brings my glasswork and teaching together with my interest in growing things.
Contact
Get in touch.
Questions about the glass, a class, or your craft business? Email me.
For custom work, we’ll agree on the design, price, and timing before I start.